The two-year 2023-2024 legislative session is nearing the end of its formal session, which is set for July 31st. While legislation can be adopted after that date, under current rules it is much more difficult to do so if not enacted prior to this deadline. Over the next two weeks, there are 12 major bills that are under active review by both chambers, including the following four that have major implications for the nursing facility sector. Here is a brief update on the four bills:
- FY 2025 Budget – the Conferees have reached agreement in principle on the overall budget recommendation for the July 2024 through June 2025 period. This document is expected to be released today by the Conference Committee. We will provide an update upon issuance by the Committee;
- Omnibus Nursing Home Reform Law – Last November, the House of Representatives passed 158-0 H.4178, An Act to Improve Quality and Oversight of Long-term Care. The House bill includes a host of important workforce, quality, and Medicaid rate initiatives intended to address the staffing shortage and improve access resident care. The bill also includes language which would establish the position of certified medication aide in Massachusetts nursing facilities. At this time, the Senate has not released its version of the Omnibus Nursing Home Reform. Mass Senior Care is continuing to advocate with the Senate for adoption in the Senate version of the important initiatives included in the House bill;
- Economic Development Bill – The House of Representatives in late June engrossed H.4789, An Act relative to Strengthening Massachusetts’ Economic Leadership. The bill authorizes the Governor to seek bonds totaling over $3.5 billion to fund capital projects and programs throughout the Commonwealth. As part of this Omnibus bill, the House authorized $50 million to fund nursing facility capital improvements, through revenue to be raised through bond issuance. Specifically, the section directs EOHHS to work with Massachusetts Senior Care Association to develop forgivable, low or no interest loan program that would support the establishment of specialized care units; develop innovative projects to better accommodate the individual needs of residents and enhance privacy, and address urgently needed capital improvements. The Senate last night adopted its version of the Omnibus Economic Development Bill, which does not include this important nursing facility grant program. Mass Senior Care is currently seeking to convince the Conference Committee working to resolve differences between the two bills to include the House’s Nursing Facility Capital Grant initiative in the final consensus bill; and
- Omnibus Health Care Bill – The House and Senate have now passed separate health care oversight reform bills intended to constrain overall health care cost growth and ensure that high quality care is both affordable and accessible. The bills strengthens oversight of the major market groups including providers, insurers, pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, pharmacy benefit managers, for-profit entities, private equity firms, real estate investment trusts, and management services organizations. A separate Conference Committee will be appointed to seek to reconcile differences between the competing bills.
Mass Senior Care is continuing its advocacy on each of these important bills and we will keep members posted of developments over the next ten days.